More than 30 representatives from local businesses, industry organisations and regional partners joined us last week for our third Washdyke Energy Forum Breakfast, continuing an important conversation about the future of energy in South Canterbury.

The forum brings together businesses from the Washdyke industrial area, one of South Canterbury's largest and most energy-intensive hubs, to discuss growth, electrification and the changing energy needs of our region.

Washdyke is one of the region's largest industrial hubs and home to many businesses that rely heavily on electricity. Understanding their future plans helps us prepare the network to support growth, electrification and changing energy needs.

While we shared updates on key network projects and future investment plans, the breakfast was just as much about listening. It provided an opportunity for our neighbouring businesses to share their plans, challenges and opportunities, helping us better understand how our network can support future growth.

"The more we understand what's happening across local industry, the better we can make decisions about where, when and how we invest or don’t invest," said Alpine Energy Chief Customer and Strategy Executive Andrew Kerr.

"These forums are about sharing information, hearing directly from our customers and planning together for the future."

Discussions also covered the long-term investment and planning outlined in our Asset Management Plan, helping ensure the network is ready to support South Canterbury’s future growth and changing energy needs.

Attendees received an update on network improvements underway in the Washdyke area and the role these investments play in supporting local businesses and the wider region.

As South Canterbury continues to grow and electrify, these conversations are becoming increasingly important. While businesses can make investment decisions relatively quickly, the infrastructure needed to support them can take years to plan and deliver.

The forum reflects our commitment to Electricity for All by helping ensure South Canterbury has the network capacity, reliability and resilience needed to support existing customers, future growth and a thriving regional economy.

With our third forum now complete, we look forward to continuing the conversation and bringing industry together again at future Washdyke Energy Forum events.